Unlocking Blockchain’s Potential: Managerial Insights, Adoption Frameworks, and Blockchain Type Selection Guidance for Organizational Implementation

Abstract

This dissertation presents an exploration of blockchain technology in organizational contexts, encompassing managerial decision-making processes, implementation strategies, adoption frameworks, and a systematic mapping of blockchain types. It is structured as three interconnected studies that progressively deepen our understanding of blockchain's role in inter-organizational business processes.

The first study addresses the managerial perspective on blockchain-based implementation of inter-organizational business process management. Through qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews with decision-makers experienced with blockchain implementation, we identify key managerial decision-making stages crucial for implementing blockchain solutions. This foundational study reveals organizational and technological challenges in traditional approaches to inter-organizational process management and highlights blockchain's potential to enhance collaboration and streamline transactions. The findings from this study identified two research gaps: the need for an empirically validated adoption model for blockchain technology and a systematic mapping of different blockchain types in organizational contexts. These research directions formed the basis for the subsequent two studies, each addressing a specific gap identified both in this study and in the literature of blockchain technology in inter-organizational settings.

Building on these insights, the second study develops and empirically validates the ‘Blockchain Task Technology Fit (BTTF)’ adoption model. This enhanced framework, extending the traditional Task Technology Fit (TTF) model, is specifically tailored to the unique challenges of blockchain technology in inter-organizational process management. Using a comprehensive survey methodology across diverse countries, industries, and professional roles, the BTTF model aligns blockchain capabilities with inter-organizational business process characteristics while considering organizational and ecosystem impacts on technology utilization and performance. This theoretic contribution extends TTF theory and validates a new model for use in organizational blockchain decision making processes.

The third study presents a systematic mapping of blockchain types (private, public, hybrid, and consortium) in business contexts. This comprehensive analysis explores the relationships between blockchain types and underlying platforms, their operational and technical characteristics, and key selection criteria influencing implementation choices. The mapping provides decision-makers and practitioners with valuable insights for choosing appropriate blockchain types for specific use cases and offers researchers a roadmap for future investigations.

Collectively, this dissertation advances both the theoretical understanding and practical application of blockchain technology in organizational settings. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers exploring blockchain's theoretical implications and provide actionable guidance for decision-makers evaluating blockchain solutions. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation, this dissertation contributes to more effective deployment of blockchain technology in diverse organizational contexts, paving the way for enhanced inter-organizational collaboration and process efficiency.